CLOSING DATE & TIME:  AUGUST 17, 2021 AT 4:00PM PACIFIC TIME

Under immediate (Meter Service Technician I) or general (Meter Service Technician II) supervision, performs a wide variety of customer service duties in the installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of residential and commercial meters, ; retrieves water usage and consumption data from meters for billing purposes; performs routine to complex duties related to water service turn-ons/offs, investigating customer billing issues, and interacting with customers:  Meter programming and operational knowledge of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) as related to customer billing, usage reports, and assists in system administration tasks. Performs related duties, as assigned.

EMPLOYEES IN THIS CLASSIFICATION ARE SUBJECT TO ON-CALL, WHICH MAY INCLUDE ROTATING-DUTY SCHEDULE. ANY EMPLOYEE DESIGNATED TO SERVE ON-CALL WHO REPEATEDLY REFUSES TO SERVE ON-CALL OR REPORT FOR EMERGENCIES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION UP TO AND INCLUDING DISCHARGE.

Meter Services Technician I:  This is the entry-level classification in the Meter Services Technician series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine customer service duties in the field such as retrieving water usage and consumption data from meters and turning water service on and off.  Performs a variety of water services for District customers in the field ranging from turning on water service, answering general customer questions and ensuring routine repairs are performed. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Meter Services Technician  II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Meter Services Technician II:  The Meter Services Technician II is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Meter Services Technician series. Incumbents are responsible for performing complex customer service and meter repair tasks in the field, interacting with customers and dealing with more complex situations requiring greater experience and independent judgment.  Incumbents work under minimal supervision while exercising independent judgment within established systems and procedures.   Positions at this level are distinguished from the Meter Services Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Meter Services Technician  in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as dealing with difficult or sensitive customer meter-service problems, unauthorized service, and delinquency issues and/or providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff.

Required Skills

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of meter service operations, installation, repair and maintenance, including the use of automated systems.
• Methods and techniques of compiling and evaluating water use data.
• Operational characteristics of meters used in District services.
• Operational characteristics and use of a variety of valves.
• Customer plumbing specifications dealing with service lines, hose bibs, pressure regulators, sprinkler valves and other related parts and devices.
• Codes, specifications, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to meter service repair.
• Methods and techniques of investigating field service-related issues, such as high consumption rates.
• Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles.
• Operational characteristics of meter types and associated electronic AMI components.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Basic mathematics.
• Geography of the District’s service area.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Effectively and tactfully handle sensitive customer relations situations.

Ability to:

• Read and perform maintenance and repair work on a variety of water meter types.
• Identify and respond to water service issues.
• Read and interpret various maps, plans, specification sheets, and operating manuals.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Drive an assigned District vehicle and operate a two-way radio.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Coordinate work assignments with other sections and/or departments.
• Independently organize work and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Handle tactfully and effectively sensitive customer relations situations and defuse situations that are highly emotional and volatile.

Required Experience

Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications as outlined below:

• Meter Services Technician I: Two (2) years of customer service or meter service/repair experience; government or public utility experience is desirable.

• Meter Services Technician II: Three (3) years of progressively responsible customer service or meter service/repair experience, or (1) year of experience as a Meter Services Technician I with the District.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Licenses/Certifications:

• A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of meter service operations, installation, repair and maintenance, including the use of automated systems.
• Methods and techniques of compiling and evaluating water use data.
• Operational characteristics of meters used in District services.
• Operational characteristics and use of a variety of valves.
• Customer plumbing specifications dealing with service lines, hose bibs, pressure regulators, sprinkler valves and other related parts and devices.
• Codes, specifications, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to meter service repair.
• Methods and techniques of investigating field service-related issues, such as high consumption rates.
• Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles.
• Operational characteristics of meter types and associated electronic AMI components.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Basic mathematics.
• Geography of the District’s service area.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• Effectively and tactfully handle sensitive customer relations situations.

Ability to:

• Read and perform maintenance and repair work on a variety of water meter types.
• Identify and respond to water service issues.
• Read and interpret various maps, plans, specification sheets, and operating manuals.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Drive an assigned District vehicle and operate a two-way radio.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Coordinate work assignments with other sections and/or departments.
• Independently organize work and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Handle tactfully and effectively sensitive customer relations situations and defuse situations that are highly emotional and volatile.